Photography
Passion to profession: India’s youngest wildlife photographer Pranay Patel lives the dream
For more than 8 years, emerging photographer Pranay Patel has been carefully honing his craft; capturing wildlife scenes across India, Africa, USA, Russia, New Zealand, and Australia among many others and exhibiting his exclusive collection of photographs in India and across the World.
In an interesting conversation with QNA, the photographer reveals how the tryst with photography begun, his experiences so far, his photo-exhibitions, and much more.
When and how did you realise that you want to be a photographer?
Pranay Patel: What started as a passion at the tender age of 13 has evolved into unwavering documentation of various forms of wildlife in their natural habitat. At just 21, my passion took me across continents to Africa, where I managed to capture one of my favourite shots so far: the great migration of Wildebeest in Masai Mara.
What all places have you travelled so far?
Pranay Patel: After discovering Africa, I went to Russia, where I captured the brown bears of Kamchatka in their different moods, from relaxing to fighting furiously while on salmon-hunting frenzy. Since then, I have embarked upon over 100 photography trips to various national parks and sanctuaries in India and across the World, including Gir National Park, Thol Bird Sanctuary, Blackbuck National Park.
Tell us something about the photo-exhibitions you have been organising? How else have you showcased your works?
Pranay Patel: I have been organising Photo Exhibitions regularly in which I try to display my artistic photographic collection of India and other countries across the world.
Apart from the exhibitions, I have also launched several Calendars like “The Wonderful Wildlife of Gujarat” in 2015 and “The Bears of Kamchatka, Russia” in 2019. Then I tried to put together my photography in a way of documentation, a spree to Masai Mara in “The Wild Earth of Africa”. That documentation was launched by Mukesh Ambani in 2015.
How does it feel to practice your passion as your full-time career?
Pranay Patel: It is a dream come true for me as I could visit these many wildlife destinations around the world and could witness such precious and rare moments.
Share something about the collaboration with Praveg Communications India Limited?
Pranay Patel: I am excited to be a part of such a renowned organisation by signing a contract for photography assignments.